The Milwaukee Bucks’ handling of the Myles Turner signing and subsequent Damian Lillard waiving has sparked backlash among Bucks fans as well as NBA media. While the consensus seems to be that Turner is a solid addition, almost everyone agrees that waiving Lillard to acquire him is confusing at best and puts the Bucks in a tricky spot.
NBA analyst Bill Simmons voiced his own displeasure with the move on his podcast, questioning why Milwaukee took the route that they did.
Bill Simmons Rips Bucks’ Handling of Myles Turner and Damian Lillard Situation
Simmons spoke on “The Ringer” to voice his confusion on Milwaukee’s moves to acquire Turner. “I thought what Milwaukee did was one of the most desperate, reckless moves that I could ever remember since I’ve been a basketball fan,” he said. “I hated it. I don’t understand it. I think it’s a disaster. I didn’t approve of any single aspect of it.”
“I hated it. I don’t understand it. I think it’s a disaster.”@BillSimmons doesn’t get what the Bucks are doing AT ALL … and if these were the only moves they had up their sleeve, he thinks they might as well have traded Giannis. pic.twitter.com/u9E3TN92TN
— The Ringer (@ringer) July 2, 2025
In reference to the Bucks stretching Lillard’s contract over five years, Simmons continued, “Carrying the Dame stretch thing for five years: idiotic. Doing it for Myles Turner, I have no idea why they would do that.
“I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t have traded Giannis if it’s this desperate that you’re going to pay for the next four years: $47 million, $49 million, $50 million and $51 million for Myles Turner. If that’s the only recourse you have, if that’s how desperate you are to keep Giannis, I’m trading Giannis at that point…I just don’t get it. This doesn’t make them a top-four team in the East.”
Most comments from fans regarding the take were negative, with one writing, “This is why you’re a fan and not a GM.” Another pointed to a potential bias from Simmons, who is a lifelong Celtics fan, replying, “Tell us more how Bill wishes the Bucks traded Giannis because they are rivals of his favorite team.”
Still, Simmons may have a point. The move not only keeps the Bucks on the hook for the remainder of Lillard’s contract but also adds Turner’s contract to their books. While Turner arguably had the most impactful year of his career last season, he’s not worth what amounts to a four-year, $197M contract.
